Why is SAT said to be the Passport to any International University?
Benefits of appearing for the SAT exam The Wide Range of Universities
Many colleges and universities use SAT scores as part of their admission criteria, in addition to other requirements. For example, the highly selective California Institute of Technology, with a 7% acceptance rate, requires SAT scores within the range of 1530-1580. Harvard University, with a 5% acceptance rate, also prefers applicants to submit SAT scores within the scope of 1400-1600. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the 2023 admissions, some prestigious universities like Harvard have made the SAT test optional. Despite this, having a high SAT score can still improve one's chances of being accepted.
Subjects tested under SAT
The SAT exam's format, with separate sections for critical reading, math, and writing, provides colleges with a comprehensive understanding of a student's abilities in these subjects. Additionally, questions on social studies and science give colleges insight into a student's aptitude in certain fields. This makes the SAT exam an advantageous tool for subject choice, as students can tailor their preparation to reflect their strengths in the subjects they want to pursue in college, potentially increasing their chances of being admitted into their desired program.
Doors Opened for the Scholarships
Studying abroad can be expensive, with costs including visa fees, airfare, tuition, and housing expenses. Financial assistance is often necessary for studying abroad, and this is where the significance of the SAT exam becomes evident. A survey found that 10% of students who take standardized tests receive up to $20,000 in scholarships annually. So, taking the SAT exam can help students secure funding for their study abroad experience.
Here are some scholarships that use SAT scores for funding:
- Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship (SAT score of 1000, scholarship amount of $30,000)
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship (SAT score of 1500, scholarship amount of $2,000)
- Matt Logies Memorial Scholarship (SAT score of 1500, scholarship amount of $5,000)
- Deana's Wish Memorial Scholarship (SAT score of 1100, scholarship amount of $2,000)
- Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (SAT score of 1070, scholarship amount of $4,000)
- CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program (SAT score of 1000, scholarship amount of $18,000)
- Lloyd M. Fujie Scholarship for Accounting Major Students (SAT score of 1500, scholarship amount of $2,500)
To find out more about the scholarships, visit Masterclass Space Wide Variety of fields to choose from
Simply registering for the SAT test does not guarantee a successful career, but it does offer many opportunities. From the start, students can plan their careers by focusing on their preferred SAT subject test and then searching for undergraduate programs in that field. Additionally, a higher SAT score can help secure financial aid for study abroad programs.
SAT can balance your low GPA
Some universities will use SAT scores to balance out lower GPA scores during the admission process. For instance, Harvard University requires a minimum high school GPA of 4.8, but a higher SAT score can make up for a lower GPA. It's important to note that a higher SAT score does not guarantee admission, but it can be a factor for universities to consider. Now, let's move on to the application process.
Now, let us see a comparative study of SAT and ACT.
SAT v/s ACT
The SAT focuses more on critical reading and vocabulary, while the ACT emphasizes science and math. The SAT gives more time per question and has more subjective questions, whereas the ACT has more straightforward multiple-choice questions. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and the admission requirements of your target schools, before deciding which test to take. Taking a practice test on both the SAT and ACT can help you determine which test is the best fit for you.
Content: The SAT tests more on vocabulary and critical reading, whereas the ACT places more emphasis on science and math. Choose the test that aligns better with your strengths.
Timing: The SAT gives more time per question compared to the ACT. If you need more time to think, the SAT might be a better choice.
Question format: The SAT has more subjective questions and the ACT has more straightforward multiple-choice questions. Determine which format suits you better.
Scores: Some colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, but some colleges may require one over the other. Check the admission requirements of your target schools.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to take a practice test of both the SAT and ACT and see which one you perform better on. This will give you a good indication of which test is the right choice for you.
What Makes Digital SAT better than ever?
Easier to Take
The digital SAT Suite tests offer a number of advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil versions. They are shorter by approximately an hour and have fewer pre- and post-test activities and administration, making the test day more efficient. The tests can be taken on various devices including personal laptops, iPods, school computers, and Chrome books. For students who don't have access to a device, College Board provides one for weekend testing, similar to their support for Advanced Placement at-home testing in 2020 and 2021. The digital tests maintain the same level of difficulty as the paper-and-pencil tests but are presented in a concise and focused manner, optimized for digital delivery. College Board's platform is designed with universal principles and includes features like a built-in calculator, annotation tools, and support for accommodations for students who need them.
Secure
The digital SAT Suite tests are also more secure compared to the traditional paper-and-pencil tests. The elimination of paper handling reduces the workload for test administrators and eliminates security risks. The custom-built test delivery platform only shows one question at a time, making it harder to secretly photograph or duplicate test content. Additionally, the digital tests are designed so that each student receives a comparable but unique version, reducing the incentive for students to cheat by copying from their peers or searching for leaked test forms.
Relevance
The digital SAT Suite tests are also more relevant to all students. The SAT has always aimed to showcase a wide range of information, ideas, and perspectives, and to a large extent, this was achieved with the paper-and-pencil versions of the test. However, the use of a limited number of long passages as the basis for many questions limited the range of texts that could be presented.
With the digital tests, the number and variety of contexts used as the basis for questions have been greatly expanded. This means that the tests now have more opportunities to represent the diversity of people, experiences, and interests from around the world. This also increases the likelihood that students will encounter passages during the test that they find interesting and meaningful. Based on College Board's early research, students have a positive perception of digital tests. College Board believes this will lead to more motivated test-takers and scores that accurately reflect their efforts.
Conclusion
It's important not to place too much emphasis on the SAT results. You should acknowledge and be proud of your efforts and successes, big or small. Don't give up if you don't get the desired score on the first try, as studying hard and perseverance can often result in improvement. Keep in mind that the SAT is only a test and a non-perfect score doesn't define your worth. Instead, embrace your accomplishments and strive to do better. The digital SAT has gained popularity in the USA, but there is limited awareness about it in India.
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